Female teenagers are consuming the "unhealthiest" diets of anyone in the UK, according to recent research.

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey - undertaken by the Department of Health - revealed that fewer than one in ten teenage girls eat five portions of vegetables or fruit per day.

Furthermore, half don't consume enough iron and many eat no oily fish whatsoever - despite its obvious health benefits. The research may well come as no surprise to those in dietitian jobs, as they have likely been watching this situation develop every day.

The Independent confirmed the findings; revealing that boys of the same age were slightly healthier. They typically eat three portions or fruit or vegetables each day but are also reluctant to consumer any oily fish.

One medical expert, Professor Dame Sally Davies, was worried by the news.

She spoke to The Telegraph about the survey's results and said that eating habits that are as poor as the average teenage girl's can lead to severe health problems later in life.

The expert added: "It is really important that teenagers eat a balanced diet - including eating five portions of fruit and veg a day. Eating well and being active can help prevent serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease earlier in life."